Joanne East, a longtime resident of Wheaton, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home on August 6, 2026, with her close friend Jan Mueller by her side.

Joanne was a devoted community member whose compassion extended far beyond those closest to her, inspiring others through a lifetime of service, education, and generosity.

She began her career as a diagnostic teacher at the Kane County Center for Children with Disabilities before becoming a learning disabilities teacher in Naperville, and also worked as a speech pathologist.

Joanne earned her Master of Education degree from the National College of Education and was a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities.

She remained active in her community throughout her life, passionately advocating for the environment and supporting NAMI and its mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Through her dedication to education, service, and compassion, Joanne worked to make her community a more thoughtful, sustainable, and caring place for generations to come.

Known affectionately as a self-proclaimed "Nature Nut," Joanne found her greatest joy outdoors, deeply appreciating the natural world around her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert L. “Bob” East; her parents, Charles Franklin Curtiss and Mary Florence Helps Curtiss; and her brothers, Jack Curtiss, Ken Curtiss, and William Curtiss.

Joanne is lovingly remembered by her devoted family: her children Susan Stone and Steven Stone, whose late wife was Peggy; her cherished grandchildren David Stone, his wife Felipa, and grandsons Jackson and Lucas Stone. She also leaves behind her dear nieces and nephews: David Curtiss, Joanne McFadden, Holly Curtiss Forrest, Brant Curtiss, Jan Curtiss Taylor, Timothy Curtiss, and Caroline Curtiss Ritchey. Joanne's memory is further treasured by her god-daughters, Joanne McFadden and Lizzy Mueller.

A celebration of Joanne's life and legacy will be shared with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or the Morton Arboretum.